Plasma

• Plasma TVs offer better picture quality because of their sharper contrasts and deeper blacks. A wider viewing angle lets you watch clearly no matter where you sit in relation to the screen. Fast-moving action and speedy video games are always in focus because plasmas do not suffer from motion blur.
  However, they are generally thicker than LCD TVs with glass screens that detract by reflecting ambient light. If an image stays in one position for too long, it may permanently burn itself into the screen. At one time, plasmas consumed more energy than LCDs; they are now becoming so efficient that power differences between the two are negligible.
  
  

LCD

• LCDs (liquid crystal displays) are thinner and lighter than plasma sets of the same size. Their brighter images do not require a dark room to enjoy and their matte screens do not show annoying reflections.
  Unfortunately, fast-moving images are often blurred making image quality is less than that of plasmas. However, LED (light-emitting diode) backlights in newer models can close that gap by deepening the blacks and sharpening contrasts. LCD sets are also more expensive than plasmas with equal specifications.
  
  

DLP

• DLPs (digital light processing) project images through a million tiny mirrors that reflect light from a lamp. This makes for a bulky set that is at least 15 inches deep. In addition, the expensive lamp needs replacing every few thousand hours. Though image quality is almost equal to that of a plasma, rainbow effects can occasionally disrupt viewing.
  A DLP set is less expensive than equivalent plasmas or LCDs, especially at large screen sizes. Only two companies, Mitsubishi and Samsung, still manufacture them, so they are getting more difficult to find at retailers.
  
  

Projectors

• For the best theater-like experience, nothing beats a front projector throwing images onto a wall-sized screen. These devices use several technologies, including DLP and LCD. However, the differences decrease with each passing year. All require a dark room for the best image quality. The light bulbs also need replacement more often than those in rear-projection DLP sets.
  
  

Recommendations

• For the best combination of picture quality, size and price, buy an LCD. For the best picture, get a plasma. If you want the biggest possible picture, use a projector. For the cheapest price, go with a DLP, rear-projection set.